SafePlants

Shortstalk Chickweed (Cerastium brachypodum)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is described as having sticky pubescence.
• It's a small plant (10-40 cm), which could make it easily accessible to pets.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is described as having sticky pubescence.
• It's a small plant (10-40 cm).

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Cerastium brachypodum (Engelm. ex A. Gray) B.L. Rob.
• Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink Family)
• Synonyms: Cerastium nutans var. brachypodum
• Taxonomic Status: Accepted

Common Names

• Shortstalk Chickweed
• Short-stalk Chickweed
• Shortstalk Mouse-ear Chickweed
• Short-stalk Mouse-ear Chickweed
• Mouse-ear Chickweed (general term for multiple species)
• Bractpod Chickweed
• Short-stalked Chickweed
• short-pedicelled chickweed

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in rocky outcrops, specifically in the Upper Peninsula.
• Also noted in locations such as LA, AR, OK, NM and southeastern Alberta.
• Widely naturalized from Europe as an introduced plant.

Morphological Characteristics

• Small annual forb (10-40 cm).
• Has a filiform tap-root.
• Erect stems, simple or several from a branched caudex, 5-20 cm.
• Glandular-pubescent.
• Nodes without long, wooly hairs.
• Leaves are opposite, narrowly lanceolate, and either stalkless or have a short stalk.
• Herbaceous (non-woody) plant, also known as a forb or wildflower.

Distinguishing Features

• Similar in form to common chickweed (Stellaria media), but can be distinguished by unspecified features.

Quirky Facts

• The plant's name "mouse-ear chickweed" likely refers to the shape and texture of its leaves.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Cerastium brachypodum.
• Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences has information on this species.
• Garden Guides provides plant information, identification information on uses and more about chickweed.